Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken

Arroz Con Pollo is comfort food that packs in flavor and creamy nostalgia with every bite. This Mexican restaurant favorite brings together fluffy seasoned rice, well-spiced juicy chicken, and a silky cheese sauce that turns dinner into something really special every time. I love how simple ingredients can create such a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with family.

First made this when my kids begged for their favorite restaurant meal at home and now the cheesy rice aroma instantly means everyone comes running to the table.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: Basmati holds its shape and stays fluffy
• Cooking oil: Avocado gives a slightly nutty note and resists burning
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and body
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for deep flavor use fresh for best result
• Sazon seasoning: Adds color and classic Latin flavor check labels for MSG if that matters
• Chicken flavored bouillon: Enhances umami pick a good quality brand for best flavor
• Tomato sauce: For body and a hint of tang try to use low sodium if you prefer less salt
• Water: Makes everything fluffy and light use filtered water if you have it
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs are juicier breasts stay tender if not overcooked get the freshest you can
• Butter: For richness adds flavor to the chicken
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Extra layers of savor and aroma
• Chili powder and cumin: Warmth and smokiness key for Tex Mex style
• Salt and pepper: Balance and essential seasoning use kosher or sea salt
• Evaporated milk: Makes a super creamy cheese sauce always check expiration
• Queso Blanco Velveeta: For smooth melt and classic restaurant sauce adjust for your taste
• Diced green chilis: Canned adds mild zing drain if there is extra liquid
• Grated pepper jack cheese: Melts into a creamy layer pick a block and grate it yourself for best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Rice:

Add rice to a skillet with oil over medium high heat stir continuously for about three to four minutes until the grains turn lightly golden and aromatic This step gives the finished dish a rich nutty flavor

Add Aromatics:

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic let cook for two to three minutes The onions should start turning translucent and your kitchen will smell wonderful

Season and Simmer:

Add Sazon seasoning chicken bouillon tomato sauce and water to the pan Stir gently bring everything to a rolling boil Cover tightly with a lid reduce heat all the way down and let it simmer untouched for fifteen minutes Keeping the lid on is crucial for perfectly steamed grains

Let Rest:

Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for another fifteen minutes This gentle rest keeps the rice fluffy and prevents sticking Do not stir until the resting time is up

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice raw chicken into very thin strips for quick cooking Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium high Toss in the chicken then sprinkle garlic powder onion powder chili powder cumin Sazon seasoning salt and pepper Stir often and cook four to five minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Combine evaporated milk Queso Blanco Velveeta diced chilis and pepper jack cheese in a saucepan Cook over medium stirring constantly Cheese should melt gradually into a creamy thick sauce Remove from heat let it thicken as it cools for a few minutes

Build the Plate:

Fluff the rice gently then scoop onto plates Top with hot chicken slices Generously drizzle with cheese sauce For a restaurant experience add a side of warm tortillas

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You Must Know

• High in protein thanks to both chicken and cheese
• Great for feeding a crowd or keeping leftovers for busy days
• Cheese sauce can be made ahead for meal prep

My favorite part is always the pepper jack cheese because of the little kick it adds and I always think of how my daughter would sneak extra shredded cheese just to snack while waiting for dinner The sizzle and scent of onion and cumin in the pan is pure memory for me of Sunday cooking with the whole family bustling around

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Storage Tips

Let your leftovers cool down completely before storing If you have extra rice and chicken keep them separate from the cheese sauce in airtight containers Both can be stored in your fridge for three to four days The cheese sauce might thicken in the fridge but a splash of milk when reheating brings it right back to creamy perfection

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brown rice if you prefer a nuttier bite and extra fiber Thighs instead of breasts yield extra juicy chicken Try Monterey Jack or cheddar if you cannot find Queso Blanco Sazon can be swapped for a homemade mix of coriander cumin and achiote powder

Serving Suggestions

Arroz Con Pollo is perfect as is but I like to add chopped fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes on top Sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime brighten up the flavors Warm flour or corn tortillas turn it into handheld comfort and a crunchy salad or refried beans make the meal even heartier

Cultural Notes

While Arroz Con Pollo is enjoyed in many Latin homes this Tex Mex version reflects the American love for all things creamy and cheesy The origins are in old world Spanish stews updated by Mexican immigrants whose food is all about family gatherings and everyday celebration

Recipe FAQs

→ Can chicken thighs be used instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a juicy, tender alternative with slightly richer flavor.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice, such as Basmati, yields a fluffy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.

→ How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?

Stir constantly over medium heat and allow all cheeses to fully melt into the evaporated milk for a velvety finish.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare components separately and assemble before serving to keep textures fresh and flavors bright.

→ Can tortillas be served alongside?

Warm flour tortillas are a traditional and delicious way to enjoy this dish—perfect for scooping or wrapping the mixture.

→ What’s the key to fluffy rice?

Let the rice steam off heat without stirring after simmering; this helps grains remain separate and tender.